Definition
A moustache (i.e. a growth of hair on the upper lip and/or cheek area in women) is not uncommon and can be either genetic or caused by certain hormonal disorders. In such a case, the physician speaks of hirsutism. Many affected women suffer extremely from this condition, although it is not really a medical problem, and wish for nothing more than to get rid of the superfluous hair.
There are several methods for this. First of all, it is important not to remove the hair (or have it removed) without first consulting a doctor (preferably a dermatologist) or a doctor specialising in metabolic disorders (endocrinologists), so as not to overlook a possible causal disease. Depending on the reason for a lady’s beard, a certain treatment method is then chosen.
Patients with a disturbance of the adrenal gland or the hormones produced here or an excess of male sex hormones (androgens such as testosterone), which are produced not only in the genitals but also in the adrenal gland or, in the context of a tumour condition, at a completely different place in the body, can be treated with hormones. With a well adjusted hormone level, the annoying moustache usually disappears again. However, if a moustache is not caused by hormones, this often means a lengthy treatment for those affected, whereby there is still no therapy available with which a moustache can be reliably and permanently removed.
For the short-term removal of the hair, however, there are a number of quite effective methods available. The easiest way is probably to simply shave off the hair. This procedure is quick, easy and inexpensive.
The disadvantage, however, is that the hair is only cut off superficially, while the root is preserved. As a result, the hair grows back quickly and the resulting stubble is often conspicuous and annoying due to its thickness. The result is therefore really only short lasting.
A longer lasting success is achieved by removing the hair root as well. This can be achieved on the one hand by epilating the moustache. The hairs are plucked out together with their roots.
However, the better result is achieved with a much more painful treatment compared to shaving. Here too, the hairs grow back again, but only after a longer period of time and then thinner and finer, so that they do not stand out as much. Waxing or removing the moustache with a sugar paste (a mixture of water, sugar and lemon) are also possibilities that work about as well as depilation, although most people find the treatment with the sugar paste a little less painful.
You can also use a depilatory cream, and there are even some that are specially designed for women with increased hair growth, such as Vaniqa cream. Such creams are usually only available on prescription in Germany, so doctors actually only prescribe them if there is actually a medical problem. The application must be permanent, but if used conscientiously, it also promises a pleasing result.
It is best to remove the hair first, for example with an epilator or sugar paste. Afterwards you should wait a few minutes before applying the cream. The cream contains a certain active ingredient, eflornithine, which ensures that hair growth is slowed down on the one hand, and on the other hand that the hair is softer and thinner when it grows back.
This treatment has the advantage that it is usually painless and has virtually no side effects. Its disadvantage is that the results are only seen after several weeks, on average after six to eight weeks. However, the results last for a long time.
